CHICO, CA – During a campaign swing through Chico, U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina today hosted a town hall at Mooney Farms with local business and community leaders to discuss the state of our nation’s economy and the urgent need to create jobs and restore fiscal responsibility to Washington.

“With unemployment in Chico above 15 percent, job creation and economic growth must undoubtedly be the federal government’s first concern. Instead of pursuing policies that support small and family-owned businesses, however, President Obama, Barbara Boxer and their Democratic allies have continued to champion legislation that increases government intrusion into our lives, stifling innovation and slowing our economy’s recovery,” said Fiorina. “It’s clear that our leaders have no intention of setting our nation on a course toward economic growth and success. That’s why it’s so critically important that we send new representation to Washington this November.”

Since declaring her candidacy[1] for U.S. Senate last year, Fiorina has traveled across California discussing her priorities if elected: job creation, economic growth and reining in out-of-control federal spending. Last month, she unveiled an economic growth plan[2] that focuses on growing the economy by lowering taxes, improving the ability of American businesses to fight for – and win – jobs and incentivizing innovation. Because many of California’s farmers and ranchers are also small businesses that would benefit from these priorities, the California Farm Bureau Federation[3] endorsed Fiorina last month.

“I am running for U.S. Senate because I have the real-world experience necessary to help bring common-sense solutions and fiscal discipline back to Washington,” Fiorina continued. “During these difficult economic times, it is all the more important that we stand with our state’s small-business owners and entrepreneurs. Their innovative spirit is what drives our state’s economy, and it is what will lead our nation to recovery.”

Mooney Farms is a family-owned, family-operated farm whose priority has always been to deliver high-quality products and personalized service to its customers. Although the company is best known for its sun-dried tomato products, Mooney Farms also sells herbed olive oil, risotto and marinades.